This Vs. That: Healthy Substitutions To Satisfy The Most Common Cravings

Being successful with your weight loss goals doesn’t mean that you have to ignore your cravings altogether. There are some good swaps that will satisfy your craving while allowing you to stay on track. We’ve pulled together some of our favorite recipes from Ideal Protein that work great when you are having one of those cravings!

While planning ahead is really important, finding out a few of your favorite substitutions to keep in your back pocket when cravings strike is a great tool and is key to long-term success.

Take a look below and let us know what your favorite swaps are!

Swap 1: Swap Tacos for Turkey Taco Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 portion ground turkey

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1/2 Roma tomato, deseeded and chopped

• 1 jalapeno, chopped fine (or less if you prefer it less spicy)

• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

• 1/2 lime, cut into quarters

• 2 leaves romaine lettuce, chopped

• ½ bag Ideal Protein Dorados, crumbled

Directions:

Heat a splash of low-sodium vegetable broth or water in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and swirl to coat the surface. Add ground turkey, oregano, and salt. Cook until browned slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Add Roma tomatoes and jalapeño and sauté until the turkey is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro.

Place romaine leaves in a bowl and top with the turkey mixture. Crumble IP Dorados on top and serve with lime wedges.

Swap 2: Swap a Burrito for a Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 packet Ideal Protein Vegetable Chili Mix

• 1¼ cups cauliflower florets

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ cup Pico de Gallo

• 1/4 cup sliced red onion

• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions:

Prepare the chili mix according to packet directions. Set aside. Place the cauliflower in a food processor and process until finely chopped, or place it on a cutting board and chop. Steam the cauliflower until tender. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and keep warm.

Add a splash of low-sodium vegetable broth or water to a skillet. Add the garlic, chili powder, and cumin, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the prepared chili mix and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Pour over the cauliflower rice and top with Pico de Gallo, onion, and cilantro.

Swap 3: Swap Pizza for Pizza Marina with Arugula

Ingredients:

• 1 packet Ideal Protein Mashed Potatoes Mix

• 3/4 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1/4 teaspoon dried

• 3 tablespoons water

• 1/2 cup canned drained chopped tomatoes

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano

• Pinch red pepper flakes, plus more for serving

• 1/2 cup baby arugula or mixed Italian greens

• 2 tablespoons Ideal Protein Classic Balsamic Dressing

• 1 cup steamed rapini (broccoli rabe), asparagus, or other select vegetable

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a small sheet pan with parchment paper Stir the mashed potatoes mix, rosemary, and water together in a small bowl. Scrape the mixture onto the prepared pan. Moisten the back of a spoon (this will keep the dough from sticking) and spread the dough out to make a circle about 5 inches in diameter. Bake until very browned on top and bottom, 10 to 12 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the tomatoes, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Place over medium heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until flavors are combined and most of the liquid has evaporated, 6 to 7 minutes. Spread the tomato sauce over the crust. Top with the arugula and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the dressing. Cut in half. Serve with the select vegetable on the side (or some on top of the pizza), drizzled with the remaining dressing.

Swap 4: Swap Traditional Jalapeño Poppers for Ideal Protein Traditional Jalapeño Poppers

Ingredients:

• 1 packet Ideal Protein Veggie Meatless Mix

• 1 green onion, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish

• 3 large jalapeños or 3 mini bell peppers, cut in half lengthwise and seeds scraped out

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Cook the meatless mix according to the packet directions. Crumble and place in a small bowl. Stir in the green onion and cilantro. Place the pepper halves on the prepared baking sheet; cut side up. Spoon the filling into the peppers, pressing down gently and mounding it slightly. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is nicely browned; 10 to 12 minutes. Serve sprinkled with more cilantro.

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Successful weight long-term means developing a toolbox of tools and having the right support to keep you on track and meeting your goals. Nashville Weight Loss Solutions specializes in helping our patients do exactly that. For over 15 years, Dr. Houston and his team of staff have been helping thousands of patients successfully achieve their weight loss goals with tools like coaching, medication, surgery, and more. Whether you want to lose 20 pounds or 200 pounds, no other program has the variety of tools offered at Nashville Weight Loss Solutions. The team at Nashville Weight Loss Solutions will work with you to develop a comprehensive, personalized plan to help you achieve results based on your unique weight loss needs.

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